Transcript for Former Top Ranking General Allegedly Leaked Secrets to the Press

Now we turn to the question, who is leaking the nation's top secrets? Surprising news of another investigation in washington. This time the name in the news is a top ranking former general. Abc's senior justice correspondent pierre thomas on the story that stunned a lot of people. &#9834; james "hoss" cartwright. Marine, fighter pilot, four-star general. Do what is right. Reporter: Until 2011, the number ranking officer at the pentagon. You are a great patriot, but more importantly, you are a damn good marine. Reporter: But now that storied military career and cartwright's reputation could be in jeopardy as he finds himself as perhaps the highest profile target in recent memory -- suspected of leaking some of the nation's most sensitive secrets. Did cartwright disclose a secret -- the details of a covert cyber attack against iran's nuclear program where the u.S. And israel unleashed a virus on iran's computer to slow down their quest for a nuclear bomb. The secrets were revealed in a 2012 book, leaving congress outraged and the obama administration vowing to find the leaker. If we can root out folks who have leaked, they will suffer consequences. Reporter: Cartwright say consultant for abc news. Tonight his attorney released a statement saying cartwright is an american hero and that any suggestion that he could have betrayed the country he loves is proposterous. Pierre thomas, abc news, washington.

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